Sept. 26, 2007

The 16th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1 SEC) worked out at the Bluff Road practice fields on Wednesday afternoon. The Gamecocks are preparing for their meeting with the Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. The 12:30 p.m. contest will be televised by Lincoln Financial Sports.

“A hot day – sunshine – probably 90 degrees again,” said Head Coach Steve Spurrier after the two-hour session. “But our guys are in pretty good shape. It could come down to conditioning this week. The Mississippi State guys play fast. They have an excellent defense and a pretty good offense. They’re mainly a running team right now but who knows what will happen on Saturday.”

Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley underwent surgery on Wednesday on his right knee. “According to the doctor, everything went fine,” said Coach Spurrier. “He re-attached the ligament that was torn off. The prognosis is good. He’s out for the year though.”

Coach Spurrier noted that offensive guard Kevin Young had returned to practice and would suit up this week as would tight end Jared Cook.

Dion Lecorn is penciled in to make his first start of his career on Saturday. “Dion is one of our starters, along with Kenny (McKinley),” said Coach Spurrier. “He’s got a good number – number 18. He is probably one of our best blocking wide receivers. Hopefully he’ll catch when the ball comes his way.” Coach Spurrier also mentioned that Seaver Brown was looking good in practice and would start at left guard.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday afternoon.